Comets out run Hornets

Due to equal parts of a run-and-gun gameplan and abundant turnovers, the Jonesville Comets and Hillsdale Hornets girls basketball teams were up and down the court all night.

The Comets proved to be the superior squad, as they preyed on a Hillsdale team that is still finding its footing and developing confidence. Jonesville won 54-30.

"It was an ugly game," Jonesville coach Tom Dunn said. "We played just good enough to win."

Despite all the turnovers, the Comets were still able to execute their plan of a high shot frequency.

The Comets shot the ball 75 times, making 21 buckets.

Dunn said his team was too lethargic, especially early in the game, and capable of better play.

Comet senior Kelsey Branham was the exception, as she energized Jonesville with hustle and aggressive play under the basket.

Branham led Jonesville with 15 points, all scored in the third and fourth quarter. She also had eight rebounds

"She played well in the second half," Dunn said.

Hannah Benn led the Comets with nine boards and five assists.

Hillsdale showed better ball control at times, as they passed and dribbled through an aggressive Comet press.

"We took care of the ball better," Hillsdale head coach Nick Langston said.

The Hornets failed to recognize many fast break opportunities, and when they did, they struggled to finish at the rim.

"We gotta put the ball in the basket," Langston said.

The Hornets scored just seven points in the first half, due in part to the absence of team leader Jamee Thompson, who played just the second half due to illness.

In the third and fourth quarters, the Hornets managed an uptick in their offensive production. They scored 23 points in the second half. A variety of players accounted for the scoring including, Meghan Green, Sarah Maple, Olivia Nolan, and Claire Felix. All four players scored five points. Junior guard Alyssaa Anderson led the team with six points.

Freshman Claire Felix and Olivia Nolan showed more confidence as they see more court time.